The Hyper One and the Battler [Pearl]

In a flash of crimson light, his last pokemon was recalled. His breathes came out heavily, adrenaline still pumping through his body. A grin painted on his face, Pearl nodded eagerly. Pocketing the pokeball, Pearl couldn't help but feel exhilarated by the end of the battle. It was strange, actually, because he lost. Shouldn't he be feeling angry that he lost- or maybe the thought didn't quite sink in yet. He didn't fully realize that the battle wasn't won by him, but instead by this competitor. Silently he cursed the whole 'look into another's eyes and you battle' rule ( it was part of the reason why he was fixated on the ground while going around nowadays ).

" It was! I thought I was going to win, too. Oh well~ " He hummed the last bit, grin widening. Maybe he wasn't mad because it was a fun battle. That seemed well enough to fit into it- even if he wanted to throw a temper-tantrum and stomp off like some other trainers were fabled to do. It wasn't really something Pearl understood, but it definitely seemed like the more logical thing to do at the moment. Where he probably should have been frowning, he was grinning. The girl seemed to be a little awkward, but Pearl didn't mind at all. He almost felt honored that he was still allowed to even talk to her. It was like he was holding her on a larger scale that he was used to- was that normal for someone who lost?

Laughter. That's what came out at first. It surprised him that he didn't seemed to be at all mad still. Admiration was probably the first thing he felt, and it felt strange. His large amount of pride swelled at her compliment, almost like what a son would do for a father's affection ( ironic, wasn't it? ). Before he knew it, his stomach gave off a loud grumble, and Pearl flushed. " I'm Pearl! Nice to meet you, Alyssa~ " The grin widened, if that was even possible, as he got an idea. " I think it's about dinnertime. Since I lost, I think I should probably cook dinner. You want to join? "

Pearl let out a grin, about to pretend the consistent urge by his stomach to eat something before Alyssa proposed that he stay for dinner. It seemed almost rude to say no to such a thing ( plus, free food. ), and he had to say that eating under the stars was probably his favorite way to do it. After facing just about everything Mother Nature had to throw at him, Pearl could almost swear that it was going to be impossible for him to take eating the same way again. He had just gotten so used to sleeping under the stars almost every night - even if he did miss his bed. " I'd love to~ " Briefly he wondered if that sounded like he was a freeloader, losing battles and weasling a dinner out of those who'd beaten him.

" Sure thing. Seasoned rice and soup sound delicious. " Yes, he was familiar with the rather basic meal. In fact, he quite liked it. It was simple enough for just about anyone to make and if done correctly, still had the wonderful contrasting flavors. " Tea would have to be up to you, though. I don't normally drink it. " Typically, Pearl was notorious for having water within his household.

She pointed off to the side, over at a clearing between some trees. He ran over, letting his bag slip from his shoulder and onto the ground before taking off once again deeper into the woods. Occasionally, he'd come across a few sticks that looked plump enough to sustain a large enough fire for dinner ( and hopefully last throughout some of the night ). After he was certain he had a big enough bundle, he started on the way back to where Alyssa was setting up camp. He gently placed the wood down, looking around their makeshift camp.

" Where do you think the fire should go? "